Anegada Island

Overview

Introduction

Anegada, British Virgin Islands, a limestone-and-coral atoll, is different geographically from most of the other British Virgin Islands. It sits only 30 ft/10 m above sea level at its highest point. Located about 18 mi/30 km northeast of Tortola, this island has spectacular beaches (stretching uninterrupted for miles/kilometers on the western and northern sides) and superb snorkeling in exceptionally clear, gentle, reef-protected waters. Loblolly Bay and Cow Wreck Bay are two popular destinations for snorkeling and sunning. Anegada also is considered one of the premier bonefishing spots in the world.

To reach Anegada, you can fly or take a ferry from Tortola, or go by boat from either Tortola or Virgin Gorda. Don't try to "bareboat" your own yacht to Anegada—the approach is complicated by reefs surrounding the flat, difficult-to-see island. Most charter companies require a skilled, experienced skipper who knows the local water to accompany renters on their first trip to the island. The reef has created more than 500 shipwrecks over the years, yielding plenty of territory for snorkelers and divers to explore.

Lodging is limited on Anegada. There are just a few hotels and some cottages or villas for rent. There are some bars and restaurants and a small settlement called—fittingly—The Settlement, but this is a true "get-away-from-it-all" island. Visitors spend their days snorkeling or snoozing on the beach and their evenings eating fresh lobster.

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